Written by Tom Moggach
October 01, 2014

It was sealed with a kiss. Summer finally left us with a last lovely smacker of September sunshine – kindly acted out below by Adrian Conway (Covent Garden Buyers) and Marzena (Tony’s Cafe).

Fruit And Vegetable Market Report October 2014 Kiss

As a result of the sun, new harvests of English apples boast remarkable colour.

Expect to find Early Windsor, russet, Gala, Cox and Spartan (clockwise from top left in picture below), with Braeburn due mid month and Comice pears a tasty alternative.

Fruit And Vegetable Market Report October 2014 Apples

The first clems have arrived from Spain – a sure sign of autumn - modeled here by Jo from European Salads.

Fruit And Vegetable Market Report October 2014 Citrus

At time of writing, Turkish black figs are still available but will fade out this month. Same applies for English strawberries now the cold is settling in.

Spanish peaches and nectarines are typically eating poorly, so approach with caution.

Fruit And Vegetable Market Report October 2014 Peaches

The gorgeous French prickly chestnuts below are another classic autumnal flavour. (Fresh walnuts are also available).

Fruit And Vegetable Market Report October 2014 Chestnuts

“There will be Italian shortly and Chinese will eventually flood in,” explains Jim Hounsell at The French Garden.

Jim also showed off the fabulous Turk’s Turban squash below: “That’s how vegetables should be – warts and all.”

Fruit And Vegetable Market Report October 2014 Turks Turban Squash

In fact, you will find a huge range of squashes, from Acorn to enormous pumpkins.

Fruit And Vegetable Market Report October 2014 Pumpkins

You may even spot the odd box of English asparagus, grown by the Chinn’s.

Fruit And Vegetable Market Report October 2014 Asparagus

All the more hardy British veg is in good fettle but courgettes and Runners are all but gone.

British bassicas include Brussel sprouts, broccoli, kale, Cavolo Nero and purple sprouting. Sweetcorn is still about but on the ebb.

Fruit And Vegetable Market Report October 2014 Flash

Piccolo parsnips are a cute option – sweet and stunning on the plate.

Fruit And Vegetable Market Report October 2014 Piccolo Parsnips

English salads will continue until around the last week of October.

Expect the imminent arrival of those wonderful, bitter Italian winter crops such as Puntarelle, cicoria, Tardivo, winter raddichio and Cime di Rapa.

Wild mushrooms include trompette, Pied de Mouton and grey chanterelle,

For something fruity and unusual, search out pineberries or kiwi berries.

Fruit And Vegetable Market Report October 2014 Pineberries

Fruit And Vegetable Market Report October 2014 Kiwi Berries

More familiar soft fruit include homegrown blueberries, blackberries and raspberries.

Spanish pomegranates are looking good, while Sicilian prickly pears offer a gorgeous rainbow of colours.

Other Continental specialties include sand carrots (pictured below), cardoon, Muscat grape, quince, melanzane and Jerusalem, Petit Violet and Globe artichokes.